Every morning, Sunaira Sohail, 21, starts her day with a leisurely cup of chai, no screens in sight. For the PR assistant, it's a small daily ritual that helps her feel grounded before work begins.
Similarly, product manager Sunidhi Kashyap, 25, starts her day with tea, incense and journaling. It's her five minutes of quiet time.
“For me, slow living means being present and more in tune with my emotions,” says Kashyap. Like many of her Gen Z peers living and working in the UAE, she's consciously shifting her mindset and habits towards slowing down.
While fast-paced cities such as Dubai might seem at odds with "slow living", that's precisely why many people who have recently entered the workforce are making an effort to reject so-called hustle culture.
Spending time in nature, daily pauses and grounding rituals have become the priority, rather than "proving themselves" with late nights in the office, or overworking in hopes to quickly climb the corporate ladder.
“In a fast-paced world, slowing down is a form of self-care,” says Harley Sabater, a healthcare professional living in Abu Dhabi. Alongside his healthcare role, Sabater also has a decade of experience in conducting gardening workshops, where he has witnessed this shift first hand, noting how Gen Z embrace mindful living and balance.
A shift to slower living
Hustle culture glorifies non-stop productivity that includes long work hours, side gigs and packed weekends often at the cost of rest. Social media helps to fuel this, equating success with output.
But now fomo (fear of missing out) is giving way to jomo (joy of missing out), as people are seeking quieter, more meaningful lives.
Shaikha Alhemeiri, clinical psychologist and senior student counsellor at Zayed University, Dubai, says there’s been a clear shift in how young people prioritise mental health in the UAE. “I’ve noticed more interest in therapy, mindfulness and tackling anxiety and burnout,” she adds.
National campaigns, schools and social media have helped normalise these conversations. This generation is more open despite the stigma. Workplaces too are evolving, with wellness breaks and quiet spaces becoming more common.
What’s driving the shift?
Working late and skipping lunch breaks, not so long ago, was equated with professionalism and dedication. But as wellness has entered the mainstream, younger generations are no longer willing to put up with the mental, physical and emotional toll such habits take.
Highly stressful situations have often resulted in a "breaking point". Sohail’s turning point came during her final university semester, juggling deadlines, internships and the pressure of online presence. “I didn’t realise how much I was pretending I wasn’t exhausted,” she reflects. “I only allowed myself to rest when it started to affect my health.”
That recognition marked a new beginning, and for the first time, she gave herself permission to pause.
Kashyap had a similar realisation after a year in the corporate world. “It’s easy to get caught up in constant busyness and lose sight of yourself,” she says. After a week of long hours, skipped meals and restless nights, she felt drained. “My body was exhausted, my mind overstimulated. That’s when I knew something had to change.”
These pressures are prompting many towards thoughtful living – valuing emotional honesty and stability. The Reward Gateway 2024 Workplace Wellbeing report shows that 18 to 24-year-olds face the highest financial stress (59 per cent), feel most disconnected at work (71 per cent) and are likeliest to consider a job change (37 per cent). While pay matters, many prefer flexible, supportive environments – 44 per cent would choose well-being over a 10 per cent raise.
And the global landscape will continue to change as Gen Z's influence within it grows. Many choose entrepreneurship, flexibility and skilled jobs over traditional paths. When entering the workforce, they prioritise autonomy, purpose and growth – and expect workplaces to reflect that.
“There’s a noticeable shift in this generation’s mindset,” observes Alhemeiri. They are turning inward, building awareness and finding ways to manage stress.
“Going forward, I’d choose better work-life balance over a higher title or salary,” says Kaushik, after three intense start-up years.
Gen Z also faces mounting pressures from constant connectivity, says Alhemeiri. “In the past, global issues appeared on the news occasionally. Now, young people are exposed to distressing headlines all the time.” Add that exposure to constant social media comparisons and unrealistic standards, and their digital worlds feel draining.
Like every generation before them, Gen Z also inherits the pressure to appear as though they "have it all together".
“But the truth is, it’s totally okay to not be okay.” Real resilience, Alhemeiri explains, is about recognising when things are hard and allowing space to feel. “That’s actually what helps people grow and heal in the long run.”
Mindful rituals
Micro-practises are key to integrated slow living into the necessities of daily life, from mindful tea-making and crochet to deep breathing sessions.
Kashyap prioritises breakfast, takes daily walks, does yoga and follows an evening routine. “Even small changes like sitting down to eat or stepping outside help me stay grounded.”
Sohail, meanwhile, makes time to wind down each evening now. First, by taking time to be offline – reading a book, with music in the background and dim lighting – which makes for a calming setting. "Even baking or tidying helps me feel present," she adds.
Others tend to plants or herbs. “Gardening brings a sense of calm and mindfulness. A single Monstera can spark joy, connection and confidence more than decor, it’s a lifestyle shift,” says Sabater.
Finding time for connection also helps. “My best friend and I often talk about rest, presence and just being gentler with ourselves,” shares Sohail. “Having someone who values the same kind of pace really helps, especially when the rest of the world still feels like it’s racing ahead."
For those looking to take a leaf out of Gen Z's herb garden, Alhemeiri advices: “You don’t have to change everything overnight, start small, start slow. Five quiet minutes can be enough, give yourself time, be gentle. You’re human, not a machine.”
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The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 3/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Uefa Nations League: How it Works
The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.
The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.
Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm kick-off UAE)
Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Cologne (5.30pm)
Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld (5.30pm)
Augsburg v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (8.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Freiburg (10.30pm)
Sunday
VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin (8pm)
Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
The years Ramadan fell in May
More on animal trafficking
WORLD'S%2010%20HIGHEST%20MOUNTAINS
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
J%20Street%20Polling%20Results
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The specs: 2018 Jaguar E-Pace First Edition
Price, base / as tested: Dh186,480 / Dh252,735
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 246hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 365Nm @ 1,200rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
